Frigate Birds

North Seymour Island is 1.9 sq/km, located approximately 7 km north of Baltra island, and is the site of one of the largest and most active sea bird breeding colonies in the islands. It is a very dry island with no natural sources of water, leaving the animals, namely the land iguanas, to rely on the succulent flowers of the cactus plants for nourishment. Whatever time of year there, is always some kind of courtship, mating, nesting or chick rearing to observe.

Itinerary

Departure: 7-8am

Travel Time: A 40 minute bus ride will take you across the island to the Baltra channel where you will embark a passenger boat with toilet and plenty of room to relax for the 20 minute journey to North Seymour.

The Tour

You begin with a guided tour by a National Parks accredited guide, speaking english and Spanish, along an approx 2.5 km trail, through the nesting sites, and one of the largest breeding colonies in the islands, of the blue footed boobies, the magnificent and the great frigate birds, and the swallow-tailed gull. There is also an opportunity see the sea lions, the Galapagos land iguanas, the Galapagos snake, Galapagos marine iguanas, lava lizards and pelicans.

At the conclusion of the land tour you will return to the boat for a hot lunch and refreshments, before travelling to Las Bacchas Beach on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island to snorkel or take a relaxing walk along the beach. During the snorkel it is possible to see many colourful reef fish, various rays, white tip reef sharks and green turtles.

Returning to the Baltra channel the bus will then transport you back to your hotel.